Fix: One or More Network Protocols Are Missing

One or more network protocols are missing on this computer is an error that occurs due to Windows Sockets registry entries that are required for network connectivity. When these entries are missing” it triggers this error reported by Windows Network Diagnostics. It shows up when your system fails to connect to the internet, and you click the Diagnose button. You may be able to ping your destination address but your browser will be unable to do the same. In most cases, inconsistency in Windows Sockets API also known as Winsock is the root cause of this problem.

It is responsible for the network requests of the programs, both incoming and outgoing. This issue can also originate from your Internet Provider, but if the internet’s working on of your other devices connected to the same ISP then the ISP is Okay and we can continue with the troubleshooting steps.

This guide is compatible with all versions of Windows.

Method 1: Restore Missing Protocols Files

Download and run Reimage Plus to scan for corrupt files by clicking here, If it finds that the files are corrupt, repair them.

Method 2: Disable IPv6

Method 3: Reset Winsock

Winsock corruption is known to trigger such errors. In most cases, the issue is resolved by resetting winsock. To reset winsock, follow the steps below.

Press Windows key. In the search box, type cmd. From the list of results displayed; right click on cmd and click Run as Administrator. If you are on Windows 8 or 10, then Hold the Windows Key and Press X. Choose Command Prompt (Admin) and Click on it.

Method 4: Restart Your Network Adapters

A temporary glitch in network adapters can prevent it from picking up the protocols. A simple restart may also fix the issue. To do this; Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the run dialog, type ncpa.cpl and Click OK.

You will see a list of network adapters, if you don’t know which one is yours then you can repeat the steps below on all of the listed adapters, else perform it on the one that you’re using to connect.

Right click your Network Adapter, and choose Disable. Then right click on it again and Choose Enable.

Method 5: Reset Components

In this solution, we will reset and refresh components involved in network connectivity.

Simply download the batch file from the link here OR create a text file and save it as fixnetwork.bat with the following code in it.

Right click on the downloaded file or the bat file you created (using above commands) and click Run as Administrator. Look out for access denied messages, if you do notice any, then proceed with the steps below else hit any key when it says on the black window, to reboot. After it reboots, TEST.

It is import to create a registry backup before performing registry steps. You can do this by clicking File -> Export (with Computer) selected from the top left pane and exporting it (saving it somewhere on your computer). This should be done for every method you follow where changing registry is involved.

To modify permissions edit the following registry key:

To do that, hold Windows key and press R. Type regedit in rundialog and press Enter. Registry editor windows will be opened.

Hold the CTRL key and Press F. In the Find What box, type the following value and click Find Next.

Wait for it to search for the key, once it searches it, expand this key to look for the folder called 26

PRO TIP:If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using the Reimage Plus Software which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage Plus by Clicking Here

Click Add button. Type everyone in the textbox and press OK. If everyone is already there, then grant Full Access. Click OK. Now run the downloaded file as Administrator.

Method 6: Reinstall TCP/IP

TCP/IP are a set of protocols that defines how you connect to the Internet. Any discrepancy in them can block your internet access immediately. Hold the Windows Key and Press R. Type ncpa.cpl and Click OK

You will either have a wired connection or wireless, whatever is the active connection, right click on it and choose Properties.

Under This Component Uses the Following Items, click Install button. Click Protocol, then click the Add button.

Under the Network Protocol list, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click OK.

If you get the This program is blocked by group policy error, then there is one other registry entry to add to allow this install. Hold Windows key and press R.

Type regedit and press Enter.

In the Registry Windows, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\safer\codeidentifiers\0\Paths

Right click on paths in the left pane and click Delete. Now repeat the above process to reinstall TCP/IP.

Close all windows, and restart your system. Your problem should be gone now. If not, move on to the next solution. This method does not apply to home based versions of windows.

Method 7: Uninstall and Reinstall Your Security/Antivirus Software

If you have recently installed any Internet Security Software, it may be blocking your access to the internet. Temporarily disable it to check if that’s what causing the problem. Quicket way is to just uninstall it, reboot the PC and then test – if system works without it, then re-install another AntiVirus. Hold the Windows key and press R. In the run dialog type appwiz.cpl and click OK. In the programs list, find your security software and right click on it. Click Uninstall. Follow the onscreen instructions to remove it and restart your system.

Method 8: Powerline Adapters

If you are using a Powerline Adapter, then it can interfere with your network. A reset can solve most of these problems. Refer to the instructions manual for the adapter to reset your Powerline Adapter.

Method 9: Disable Proxy

Method 10: Change your internet router’s Wireless Mode to 802.11g

Many people have had luck with fixing this issue by changing their wireless router’s Wireless Mode to 802.11g instead of 802.11b+g+n. By default, almost all wireless routers are set to the 802.11b+g+nWireless Mode out of the box. In order to change your internet router’s Wireless Mode to 802.11g, you need to:

Login to your wireless router’s administration and settings panel through a browser of your choice. Instructions for accessing your wireless router’s administration and settings panel will be found on the user manual that came with your wireless router.

Scour everything under the Wireless category for a setting by the name of Wireless Mode or Mode.

Check to see whether or not the issue has been fixed once your computer boots up.

Method 11: Hard reset your wireless router

If none of the methods listed and described above have worked for you, there is still one more thing that you can try, and that is to hard reset your wireless router. Hard resetting your internet router will cause all of its settings and preferences to revert to their default values, and that, in many cases, has been able to fix this issue and restore internet access. In order to hard reset your wireless router, you need to:

Get your hands on a paperclip or a pin or any other pointy object.

Locate the recessed Reset button on your router. This button is basically a tiny hole normally located at the back of a router with the term Reset written above or below it.

Put the pointy end of the pointy object you acquired into the Reset button and push it all the way in. Press and hold the button for a good few seconds. This will successfully reset your router.

Once the router has been reset, restart it and then start reconfiguring it.

PRO TIP:If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using the Reimage Plus Software which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage Plus by Clicking Here

About Kevin Arrows

Hi! I'm Kevin. Thank you for reading the article above. I am a certified MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) with over 10 years of experience. I love to address tech issues, and write tech how-to's in a way that it can be followed by everyone.

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Expert Tip

Fix: One or More Network Protocols Are Missing

If the issue is with your Computer or a Laptop you should try using the Reimage Plus Software which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage Plus by clicking the Download button below.